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Chemical Peels

Acne vulgaris

Acne vulgaris is one of the most frequently treated illnesses in dermatology practices. The treatment is usually lengthy and sometimes associated with substantial side effects. Young people affected usually suffer severely from this. Acne is primarily an illness of the sebaceous gland follicles, which are located predominantly on the face, back and chest.

At first, they create non-inflammatory blackheads, but later a series of inflammatory lesions such as papules, pustules and lumps can also develop. Acne vulgaris or “common acne” is caused by increased androgen levels during puberty and subsides when the patient enters their thirties at the latest.

Acne inversa

A less common and more severe disease is acne inversa. It is an illness of skin appendages that starts in the sebaceous glands and has a secondary effect on the apocrine perspiratory glands. Areas particularly susceptible including axilla and the groin-pubic region, up to and including the gluteal region. It affects the back and stomach less frequently and very rarely affects otherwise typical acne regions, such as the face.

About Your Free Consultation

Firstly we will assess your skin carefully and ask you a range of questions to discover your previous history. If you are taking any medications or have done in the past we would ask you to bring the name of them along, as some medications can contra-indicate certain treatments.

Previous history with regards to acne is very important in establishing the best plan of action. In some severe cases of acne your practitioner may feel it necessary to refer you to a Consultant dermatologist.

Treatments Available

Quite often the skin can’t heal itself and needs aid in reducing the inflammation and then a solution to help build the skin to prevent further breakouts. DermaQuest favours salicylic acid a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) for its acne solution. Many skin care

companies still resort to glycolic acid but research shows that beta hydroxy acid is quicker to reduce inflammation, decongest pores and kills bacteria.

With this treatment, your skin will peel/shed. Expect flaking for a few days to one week post treatment. But as the dead skin cells fall away, so too will the reduction of breakouts. To balance and build the skin pre and post treatment.

This treatment may cause increased sensitivity to the skin depending on the skin type and home care regime. Side effects may include, but not limited to, stinging, itching, irritation, redness, swelling, tightness, peeling and scabbing of the skin. Avoid sweating, exercising, hot baths or showers, scrubbing, picking or rubbing, which could lead to scarring.

If you are using retinoids and/or alpha hydroxy acid products, only re-introduced to the skin once it has healed. Protect the skin from direct sun exposure with a broad spectrum sunscreen for a minimum of 3 days post-treatment to prevent hyperpigmentation. A hat may be worn if necessary. Your compliance with the use of daily sunscreen on an ongoing basis is mandatory, especially with exfoliation treatments.

You must cease using Retin A for one week and no facial waxing for one-two weeks prior to the Peptide Resurfacer. If you are using benzoyl peroxide products you must cease use for 3-4 days prior to the peel. Those who are prone to herpes breakouts can be referred to a physician for a prescription prior to the peel to help avoid breakouts during healing time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Acne is most commonly linked to the changes in hormone levels during puberty, but can start at any age.
Certain hormones cause the grease-producing glands next to hair follicles in the skin to produce larger amounts of oil (abnormal sebum).
This abnormal sebum changes the activity of a usually harmless skin bacterium called P. acnes, which becomes more aggressive and causes inflammation and pus.
The hormones also thicken the inner lining of the hair follicle, causing blockage of the pores (opening of the hair follicles). Cleaning the skin doesn't help to remove this blockage.
Other possible causes
Acne is known to run in families. If both your mother and father had acne, it's likely that you'll also have acne.
Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during the menstrual cycle or pregnancy, can also lead to episodes of acne in women. Steroids can also cause acne to develop.
There's no evidence that diet or poor hygiene cause acne.
Although you may feel like you want to wash the skin serevral times a day this is unwise. Twice a day would be adviseable. Excessively cleaning the skin could cause dryness, your skin may then begin to produce more oil, which will them leads to more spots.

There are six main types of spot caused by acne:
Blackheads – small black or yellowish bumps that develop on the skin; they're not filled with dirt, but are black because the inner lining of the hair follicle produces pigmentation (colouring)
Whiteheads – have a similar appearance to blackheads, but may be firmer and won't empty when squeezed
Papules – small red bumps that may feel tender or sore
Pustules – similar to papules, but have a white tip in the centre, caused by a build-up of pus
Nodules – large hard lumps that build up beneath the surface of the skin and can be painful
Cysts – the most severe type of spot caused by acne; they're large pus-filled lumps that look similar to boils and carry the greatest risk of causing permanent scarring

Although acne can't be cured, it can be controlled with treatment, products and/or medication.
Treatment will depend on the severity of your acne, length of time suffered and also what previos treatments or medications have been previously tried. Even mild cases of acne can cause distress. If your acne is making youfeel very unhappy, we are to help.
We can support you through your journey of treatment. Wheather it be laser, peels, or medication.

Free Consultation

For a no obligation private consultation book with us today.

We will tailor a plan to suit your individual needs and will be here to support you every step of the way.